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The goal of this study is to determine if supplementation with krill oil concentrate containing the phospholipid-bound omega-3 fatty acids improves performance on specific cognitive tests that underlie key elements in U.S. Army Infantry Basic Officer Leaders Course (IBOLC) and in Ranger School (Training) at Fort Benning, Georgia (GA).

2.3g/d omega-3 HUFAs (with the EPA to DHA ratio of approximately 2:1), delivered in 8 capsules/day in Krill oil concentrates (Aker BioMarine Antarctic AS, Norway). Participants will receive supplements for the duration of IBOLC (19 weeks) and up until entry in Ranger. Time between completion of IBOLC and entry in Ranger is variable, ranging from 1 weeks to 10 weeks (4 weeks typical). Total duration on supplement thus ranges from 20 to 30 weeks.

Dietary Supplement: Phospholipid-bound omega-3 supplement

The dietary supplement is produced by Aker BioMarine. These krill oil capsules received a GRAS status approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2010. Aker BioMarine has a new pending application (2015) with the U.S. FDA for GRAS status for its new product on which this study capsule is based. Aker BioMarine markets a number of different krill-based omega-3 supplement products in the U.S. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has determined that an Investigator New Drug (IND) Application is not required for this study. This phospholipid-bound omega-3 dietary supplement is provided in capsule form.

Placebo Comparator: Placebo supplement

Matching placebo capsules, substituting macadamia nut oil and appropriate colorant for krill oil. Macadamia nut oil has not been associated with psychological, cognitive, or health benefits. Furthermore, it is not typically consumed in large quantities and is therefore useful in tracking blood serum levels to assess compliance within the placebo arm. Placebo capsules have been produced by Aker Biomarine. As with the experimental arm, participants will take 8 capsules daily for the duration of the study (20-30 weeks).

Dietary Supplement: Placebo supplement

Placebo capsules that are identical in size and color to the experimental but contain an equal amount of macadamia nut oil.

Group differences on Land Navigation scores (from IBOLC gradebook) [ Time Frame: data collected by Army throughout 5 months of IBOLC training and scores summed at the end of 5 months and provided to study pi ]

Land navigation tests the ability of candidates to navigate from one point to another using a map and compass while equipped with their individual combat gear.

Group differences on Marksmanship scores (from IBOLC gradebook) [ Time Frame: data collected by Army throughout 5 months of IBOLC training and scores summed at the end of 5 months and provided to study pi ]

The underlying construct, visual psychomotor control, is assessed by evaluating whether "Marksman" or higher ranking was achieved on first attempt.

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Layout table for eligibility information

Ages Eligible for Study:

Child, Adult, Older Adult

Sexes Eligible for Study:

All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers:

Yes

Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

Entry into IBOLC

No self-reported previous injuries that would impede potential physical performance success in IBOLC or Ranger training

Exclusion Criteria:

Infection, autoimmune disease, or fever of unknown origin

Coronary Heart Disease

History of seizures, except for febrile seizures during childhood

Known allergy to crustaceans (shellfish) or nuts

Vegetarian food preference.

Regular use of omega-3 containing supplements within the last 3 months.

Reported consumption of seafood three or more times per week within the last three months.

Carry diagnosis of Type I or Type II diabetes

Take hypoglycemic agents

Refusal to stop taking specific dietary supplements pertinent to the study with the exception of standard multivitamins during study participation

For women, pregnancy or intention to become pregnant during the potential study duration